La Matanza de Acentejo is a historic town in the northeast of Tenerife Island. Its name commemorates the victory of the Guanche people over their conquerors in the battle of Barranco de Acentejo in 1494. If you want to find out what to see in La Matanza de Acentejo, you’re in the right place. In this post, we touch on the most interesting tourist attractions the area has to offer!
El Caletón cove in La Matanza de Acentejo Cove
El Caletón – which is also known as Casas de Calderón – is La Matanza de Acentejo’s only beach. It is an idyllic black sand beach spanning 60 meters in length and 20 meters in width. It also has a small dock and a boat anchorage area. The sea is usually calm here, but very strong gusts of wind can cause the swell to become rough.
El Caletón cove was formed by a flow of lava gushing into the Atlantic, forming a small inlet. This phenomenon left a series of crevices in the process, forming beautiful natural pools of clear water. Around the shore, on the igneous rock, you can also see a number of ancient fisherman houses built into the caves.
Alleyways between the houses comprise incredible labyrinths, which make this destination truly picturesque.
Los Nateros in La Matanza de Acentejo
Here’s another idea for your visit to La Matanza de Acentejo! Los Nateros is one of the region’s most important agricultural areas. There you will find endless potato fields, vineyards, orchards, plum and chestnut trees. Its natural features make it a fantastic hiking spot.
Among its most beautiful trails is the Camino de los Canarios, famous for being the place where the Guanche people faced the enemy. You may also want to take in the scenery of the Los Nateros circular trail, an ideal route teeming with lush forests, large chestnut trees, vineyards and scenic overlooks.
The one-kilometre-long Los Nateros jogging track offers recreation for the more sports-inclined visitors with its 30-meter slope. The track is complete with a warm-up area and gym equipment.
This area is also home to a variety of bird species typical of the island, including quails and linnets, more widely known as “papito” canaries.
Celebrations in La Matanza de Acentejo
No matter where you are in the world, participating in popular local celebrations is certainly a must.
The local folklore includes the religious holidays of El Salvador, San Antonio and Holy Week. The wine and chestnut festivals are also very popular here, as well as traditional handicraft fair. Be sure not to miss any of the important dates below:
- 17 January: Festivity of San Antonio Abad.
- 1 April: Festivity of Saint Blaise.
- 3 May They Day of the Holy Cross.
- Last Sunday of June: Festivity of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
- 6 August: Patronal Festivals in honour of El Salvador and Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
- Last Sunday of August: Festivity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (at El Caletón).
- 8 September: Festivity of Nuestra Señora de Guía.
- Week after Corpus Christi: Los Cuarteles.
What to see more in La Matanza de Acentejo?
Life in Matanzas revolves around its city centre and town hall. Take a stroll around town and visit Calle Real, which is lined with abundant examples of the area’s traditional architectural style. Here is a list of places you won’t want to miss:
- The Chapel of San Antonio Abad. Considered to be one of the island’s oldest temples, the chapel is thought to have been the first thing the Castilians built after the conquest was over.
- Parish of El Salvador. Built in more recent times, this church was erected on the ashes of the original building, which was burned down in 1936.
Farmer’s Market, Wine and Local Handicrafts
Matanza’s cuisine is also one of the town’s main tourist attractions Here you will find a wide variety of restaurants, where you can savour a number of traditional gastronomic delicacies, such as puchero (traditional stew) and porridge, as well as an array of fresh fish dishes and, of course, the local chestnuts. Matanzas is also a town with a rich tradition of winemaking, so be sure to try its renowned wines.
At the market, farmers sell their products directly to customers, so don’t forget to take a few treats back home. You’ll find fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of animal products and traditional handicrafts.
Now you know what to see in La Matanza de Acentejo, a historic town of great cultural wealth, beautiful natural landscapes and delicious cuisine. If you have set your mind on visiting us, accommodation is available. Stay in one of the accommodation in La Matanza de Acentejo. Enjoy the relaxing surroundings complete with gorgeous gardens, a pool, and a view of Mount Teide and the ocean. Go ahead and book your next holiday stay!
